Music Ministries

“God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells within each human person, in the place where music takes its source. Indeed, God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises.” (USCCB Sing to the Lord)

From the beginning of our history, music has been a foundational component of Christian worship. Inherited from our Jewish forbears, this importance is demonstrated by the very fact that the verb “to sing” (with related words such as “song”) is one of the most commonly used words in the Bible: Occurring 309 times in the Old Testament, and thirty-six in the New Testament.

Again, and again, humans have found that spoken or read words alone are insufficient for what we need to express, and so we invite the whole of creation to become a song with us: “Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” (Psalm 57:7-11)

Music is a ministry at Saint Raphael focused on the needs of our parish community. We are re-building our music program and would love for you to be a part of this adventure. No matter your age or ability, there is a place for you as:

Psalmist 

The Psalmist, or “cantor of the psalm,” proclaims the Psalm after the first reading and leads the gathered assembly in singing the refrain. The psalmist intones the Gospel Acclamation and verse. As one who proclaims the Word of God, the Psalmist should be able to proclaim the text with clarity, conviction, and sensitivity to the text, the musical setting, and those who are listening. Psalmists need a pleasant singing voice, possess the ability to sing on key, and be comfortable “going it alone” in front of large groups of people. The ability to read music is a definite plus, but not a requirement. For more information or to schedule a get-acquainted session with our Music Director, please call 502-458-2500 ext. 1136 or eMail Music(at)sraparish.org

Cantor 

The cantor is both a singer and a leader of congregational song. When a Psalmist is not available, the Cantor may serve as psalmist, leading and proclaiming the verses of the Responsorial Psalm. Considering their very specific role in the Liturgy, Cantors need a pleasant singing voice, possess the ability to sing on key, and be comfortable “going it alone” in front of large groups of people. The ability to read music is a definite plus, but not a requirement. For more information or to schedule a get-acquainted session with our Music Director, please call 502-458-2500 ext. 1136 or eMail Music(at)sraparish.org

Choir 

The Second Vatican Council stated emphatically that “choirs must be diligently promoted while ensuring that “the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs. . . .” Choirs and ensembles comprise persons who possess the requisite musical skills and a commitment to attend regularly scheduled rehearsals and Liturgies. They enrich the celebration by adding musical elements beyond the capabilities of the congregation. Choir Members need a pleasant singing voice, possess the ability to sing on key, and be comfortable singing in front of large groups of people. The ability to read music is a definite plus, but not a requirement. For more information or to schedule a get-acquainted session with our Music Director, please call 502-458-2500 ext. 1136 or eMail Music(at)sraparish.org

Instrumentalists 

The primary role of the organist, other instrumentalists, or instrumental ensembles is to lead and sustain the singing of the assembly and of the choir, cantor, and psalmist. There are also times when the organ or other instruments may be played alone, such as a prelude before the Mass, an instrumental piece during the Preparation of the Gifts, a recessional if there is no closing song, or a postlude following a closing song. Instrumentalists need to be able to play musically and be comfortable playing in front of large groups of people. The ability to read music is a requirement. For more information or to schedule a get-acquainted session with our Music Director, please call 502-458-2500 ext. 1136 or eMail Music(at)sraparish.org